On Tuesday, health authorities in Contra Costa County, California, announced an impromptu inspection at PBF Energy’s refinery in Martinez, with a capacity of 156,400 barrels per day.
The inspection aims to review records and observe operational activities, with a specific focus on safety programs, equipment reliability, and addressing recent accidents, as indicated by Contra Costa Health.
Notably, the refinery had experienced incidents in October involving the release of petroleum coke dust, following a similar occurrence in July.
The Department of Justice is concurrently investigating the refinery in connection with a November 2022 release of a powdery substance, subsequently identified as spent catalysts.
“So far in 2023, there have been 21 documented releases or spills of hazardous materials at PBF,” the Contra Costa release said, adding that PBF also reported flaring at a rate of nearly one per week throughout the year.
The regulatory inspection will involve personnel from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, as stated in the release.
Staff from Contra Costa Health will examine records related to the postponed maintenance of equipment, safety programs, and training in the workplace, as well as policies and procedures about emergency response and community notification.
The release also mentions that the inspection will encompass various on-site verification activities.
Earlier this month, Contra Costa Health issued a warning following a potent odor emanating from the refinery.
The advisory recommended individuals with respiratory sensitivities to remain indoors, keeping doors and windows closed if they detect any odors in their vicinity.